Gophers forward Trevor Mbakwe, who was suspended last season due to legal trouble, has been reinstated by Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi, according to a Thursday press release.
"This process has been difficult and I am relieved it is finally being resolved," Maturi said. "It's now time to move on and I am glad that he is going to have an opportunity to be a member of our basketball program with two years of eligibility remaining."
Mbakwe can begin practicing with the team Aug. 21, prior to the team's September trip to Canada for a set of exhibitions.
Maturi's decision followed a major development in Mbakwe's case.
After more than a year of delays in his felony assault case, Mbakwe has decided against going to trial and will enroll in a pre-trial program for first-time offenders. Once Mbakwe completes the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, the state will drop its case against him and he will not have a criminal record.
Mbakwe has to perform 100 hours of community service, make a $100 donation to a Florida facility for abuse victims and stay away from the woman who accused him of assaulting her in Miami last year, according to Miami district attorney spokesperson Terry Chavez.
"After lengthy defense continuances in this case (which primarily appear to have been based around the defense's desire to depose every witness listed in the case and develop their own expert witnesses----which is their right), Mr. Mbakwe has decided that the PTI Program is the most appropriate disposition for this case," Chavez said via e-mail.
Mbakwe was suspended last season due to his legal situation. Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi has maintained his stance that Mbakwe will not play for the Gophers until he resolves his legal issues, although he recently said he'd be willing to reconsider if there were new developments in his case.
